Chapter 18 –
Soon, a large table was set up in the garden. This time, even Saldir and Albrecht took seats. What was supposed to be a small tea party for just Horne and Theodore quickly turned into a full family gathering. The group split into two tables — one for adults and the other for children. At the center of both tables sat Albrecht and Jindel. It felt as though the rest of the family had gathered around the legitimate heir and the head of the household.
To be honest, even the setting felt a bit odd to call it a “tea party.” …For starters, that barbecue grill in the back was strange. Three chefs were grilling all sorts of things. Even though I grew up in the backstreets, I know noble tea parties don’t serve barbecue. From the looks of it, it was just a full lunch being served with black tea.
Anyway, Horne was the first to speak.
“Since the whole family is gathered here, let’s celebrate Verdette’s return.”
Horne then briefly explained what had happened recently. It was more like a military briefing than a conversation. The explanation was concise, and all the vocabulary was clipped and precise, like military terms. Theodore, hearing what I had done right after waking up from being kidnapped, frowned and paused.
“Is that true? This tiny thing reported the family physician to prove her nanny’s innocence and even took his belongings down to the basement?”
“Yes. When I followed her and entered, this cute little one was passionately speaking to my brothers.”
“Ugh!”
When did I ever talk like that?! I yelled in protest as Horne mimicked me. That made the adults around me burst into laughter.
“In any case, it’s clear something’s going on. It seems like a group strong enough to carry identifying marks is trying to shake our family. …It’s great that our youngest has awakened her powers, though.”
Theodore spoke while biting into a large piece of meat, bone and all. Jindel nodded at his words.
“That’s right. We don’t yet know since when or how large this force trying to shake us is, so now more than ever, the family should gather and reorganize properly to minimize damage.”
“I broke down the emblems the youngest brought back and found an interesting mechanism inside. I’ve reported it to Mother.”
“I’ll check it.”
I listened carefully to their conversation. From what they just said, I realized something — during the three days I was asleep, everyone in the family had come to fully recognize the existence of an organization called <Nad>.
Even Horne, who had already devoured half her steak, nodded.
“Father, it’s truly fortunate. With things this unstable, it’s a blessing you happened to be stationed at the capital’s entrance. Please assist Salkar for the time being.”
“Of course. It’s incredibly fortunate timing. In times like this, it’s best if all family members are gathered. I suppose I’ll be imposing on the duchy for a while. While I’m here, I’ll also keep an eye on our Verdette.”
“This is your home, Father. Don’t say such cold things. And as for Verdette…”
Horne turned to me again and smiled.
“You’re really lucky, you know. To study under your grandfather. [Note: ‘Sasa-hada’ means to take someone as a teacher or mentor.]”
“I became his student when I was ten.”
“So did I.”
Albrecht and Saldir answered to Horne’s comment.
As I quietly listened to the conversation, I just rolled my eyes. Me? Studying under Theodore? My heart raced. I suddenly lost my appetite. I still couldn’t believe that legendary hero actually existed — and now he was going to teach me?
— And you even kicked that hero once.
Comet suddenly chimed in. I scratched my cheek sheepishly, recalling what had happened. That thing always butts in at the weirdest moments.
Anyway, everyone was eating well. I looked around at my family in awe. Even Albrecht and Saldir, while clearly listening, kept eating without slowing down. From what I could see, each of them had already eaten at least a pound of meat…
I hadn’t touched a thing. I quietly set down my fork. I did have porridge earlier when I woke up… and I just didn’t have any appetite. But still… isn’t this place too open to be having this kind of conversation?
I looked around nervously. Usually, serious talks like this don’t happen in open spaces where anyone can overhear. Secret matters should be discussed in private, shouldn’t they?
They were aware of <Nad> now, but this was just the beginning. Who knew what traps they had laid or what their plans were? There might even be spies here right now… I tilted my head again, suspicious.
“Eat up, little mountain goat.”
I widened my eyes at the enormous chunk of meat held out to me. It was Saldir. He was holding a piece on his fork, looking at me. The moment our eyes met, he smiled, and his eyes seemed to glint a bit redder.
“Why aren’t you eating? You’re the only one who hasn’t had a bite.”
“…I… I am eating.”
“Oh? Using formal speech now? Just a few days ago you were speaking so bluntly.”
“…”
“What’s wrong now? Why’s our little mountain goat suddenly got its horns up?”
Saldir grinned brightly, clearly enjoying himself. For some reason, it was incredibly annoying. The way he used overly flowery language to tease me made me feel mocked. Still, he asked for informal speech, so I’ll give it to him. I pouted and blurted out:
“This place is way too open, isn’t it?”
“Hm?”
“Hmm?”
The moment I said that to Saldir, astonishingly, the entire family turned to look at me. I hadn’t even raised my voice — but the second I spoke, everyone looked my way. Why? Flustered by all the stares, I mumbled awkwardly.
“I mean… if it’s something important to the family… shouldn’t we have this conversation somewhere more private?”
“Oh, about that.”
Saldir nodded with a bright smile.
“I know what you’re worried about, but don’t. For Salkars, open spaces like this are the safest.”
“…”
My eyes widened. He had read my thoughts completely. Did he really know exactly what I was worried about? I turned my head in confusion and glanced behind Saldir to look at the other family members. And then I froze. All the adults in the family were now looking at me.
That was when—
“It seems an explanation is in order.”
Theodore raised a hand and snapped his fingers. And in that moment — I saw it. A tightly woven barrier completely surrounding us.
What… is that?
My eyes widened. The shimmering veil, like a curtain fluttering gently, enclosed only our group. The chefs grilling in the back were exactly half a step outside the barrier, and the servants helping with the meal were as well.
When did that get put up?
“That’s the Flame Veil.”
Horne explained kindly. Theodore added to her explanation.
“The little tingling sensation that made you shiver earlier — that’s a kind of residual aura called ‘seomhwa.’ Young Salkars who haven’t awakened their powers can’t sense it. But any Salkar who knows how to use seomhwa can feel it. And someday, you’ll be able to wield it precisely — just like the adults here.”
“Everything we say inside this barrier is protected. The flame distorts sound waves. Because it carries the power of fire, it’s actually safer to use outdoors than indoors… and in such an open space, it’s harder for intruders to hide, making it easier to stay alert.”
With the explanations from Jindel and Horne, I finally understood the situation. So basically, all of this — was the power of the Salkars. And now… they were telling me that I had that power too.
